Symphonica

Frontier Touring, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Arts Centre Melbourne are thrilled to confirm a once in a lifetime experience this Australia Day long weekend at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. On Saturday 27 January 2018, house music legend Armand Van Helden and the MSO will join forces on stage for one night only, heralding the inaugural Symphonica concert.

The New York electronic music icon makes his first appearance on Australian shores for seven years. After rising to prominence in the mid ‘90s, Armand Van Helden has dominated club culture and the airwaves for more than two decades, blessing the scene with countless classics along the way. He is simply one of the most pivotal figures in dance music ever.

“One of house music's most important figures.” – Resident Advisor

“For over 20 years, Armand Van Helden has been on the cutting edge of dance music, both breaking down walls between genres and accidentally opening up new ones in the process.” – Rolling Stone

“Few dance producers in any style have had the changeability and staying power of Armand Van Helden.” – Red Bull

Armand Van Helden and MSO’s 70-piece orchestra will breathe new life into his long list of house classics, including the likes of ‘U Don’t Know Me’, ‘My My My', ‘Bonkers (feat. Dizzee Rascal)’, ‘I Want Your Soul’, his legendary remix of Tori Amos’ ‘Professional Widow’ and certified bangers as part of Duck Sauce including ‘Barbra Streisand’. This is not even touching on the dozen odd underground club anthems that Armand has to his name. It’s set to be an unforgettable evening.

Inspired by the success of 2016’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl performance featuring techno legends Jeff Mills & Derrick May, Symphonica is the first instalment in what will be an ongoing annual collaborative series between the MSO and some of contemporary music’s most influential figures.

As an arts leader and Australia’s oldest professional orchestra (est. 1906), the MSO reaches more than 2.5 million people each year. In addition to its core classical performances at its home at Hamer Hall, Symphonica will prove to a new generation of music lover that the orchestra is accessible to all. MSO’s Associate Conductor Benjamin Northey will be at the helm leading a full orchestra of musicians through the dance tracks, curated especially for Symphonica by Australian arrangers Jamie Messenger and Joe Twist.

Melbourne futurist trio Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda will feature alongside a 15-piece MSO ensemble, performing new and classic material from Sutherland’s catalogue of ‘lounge room dance floor burners’. Scored and arranged by violinist Tamil Rogeon, Bermuda will deliver a cinematic disco experience in the spirit of Isaac Hayes or the Love Unlimited Orchestra.

Don’t miss out of this very special summer evening under the stars featuring internationally renowned producer, Armand Van Helden joined by the incredible MSO. One night only.